ELKHART -- Timothy Dennis Casey, 59, of West Mishawaka Road, died Monday (July 24, 2006) in Elkhart General Hospital, after a brief illness.

Tim was born Sept. 27, 1946, in Norfork, Neb., to Edward and Vera (Froelich) Casey. He married Marifran Yoder on Sept. 16, 1972, in Naples, Fla.

She survives in Elkhart, as do three sons, Matthew G. (Caroline) Casey, Mark C. Casey and Michael P. Casey; two grandchildren, Ethan and Brendan Casey, at home with Matthew and Caroline; and one brother, Thomas Casey of Canyon Lake, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Vera Casey.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, and a half hour prior to the 10 a.m. Friday Mass of Christian burial at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Fathers Phil DeVolder and Jack Overmyer will officiate; and per Tim's request, cremation will follow the services at the church. A vigil service will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Tim was a professional actor, director and producer. He was a member of the acting companies of the Tyrone Guthrie Repertory Theatre in Minneapolis, Minn., and the Alley Repertory Theatre in Houston, Texas. Tim traveled the dinner theater circuit throughout the United States working with many major stars, including Christopher Plummer, Michael Moriarity, Jan Murray and Peter Palmer. He attended Hastings College in Hastings, Neb., and graduated in 1968 from the University of Texas with a Master of Fine Arts degree.

He was a member of St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, where he served as a lector and Eucharist minister. He was a member of the Elkhart Knights of Columbus Council 1043 and Elkhart Knights of Columbus Assembly 2035, 4th Degree. His memberships include the Actors' Equity Association, AFTRA (American Federation of Theatre & Radio Artists) and IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) Local 187 in South Bend. Tim was a proud member of the NRA, as well as a 25-year-plus member of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Tim was a huge sports fan in general and never missed one of his children's games, but he loved the University of Texas, where he played on the baseball team, and followed the Huskers of Nebraska and University of Louisville Cardinals. Tim enjoyed traveling in his RV with his wife, playing golf, watching NASCAR races, with driver Dale Jarrett being his favorite, and he was a big fan of the WWF.

Memorials may be given to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, 1108 S. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46516. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.billingsfuneralhome.com.